Psychological health outcome of Sub-Saharan African migrants in Germany

Abstract

African migrants living in Europe have an increased risk of adverse psychological health outcomes compared to people without a migration background. The increased vulnerability may be due to their migration experience and possible challenges in adapting and integrating into the host community. This study explores the association between community solidarity and psychological health outcome among Sub-Saharan African (SSA) migrants in Germany.<br /> The study used data from 518 SSA migrants in Germany collected in a cross-sectional survey across the 16 German federal states. A correlation matrix was computed to evaluate the bivariate relationship between psychological health, community solidarity, and socioeconomic, and demographic features. Furthermore, regression models were calculated to predict the effect of community solidarity on psychological health outcomes and the added predictive effects of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics.<br /> Community solidarity shows a moderately significant positive association with psychological health (r=.41; p≤.01). A linear regression model suggests that community solidarity, education and age explained 19% of the variance in psychological health scores for SSA migrants in Germany.<br /> These results confirm community solidarity as a significant but multi-layered determinant of various factors that affect migrants’ psychological wellbeing. It supports implementing policies that promote community solidarity to facilitate SSA migrants’ wellbeing.

Social integration, solidarity, and psychological health of internally displaced persons in Cameroon: Exploring the role of community satisfaction

“…Although displaced persons constantly worry about their socioeconomic disadvantages, their sense of community can be seen in their solidarity, which is one attribute they have developed. Solidarity allows them to adapt and promote their psychological health, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and social well-being [ 28 , 56 ].…”

“…Various socio-demographic characteristics assessed as control variables were sex (male and female), age (20–25, 26–30, 31–35, 36–40, and >40), and education (none, primary, secondary and tertiary) and marital status (married, single, widowed, and divorced) were also explored. Socio-demographic variables were controlled for because several studies have indicated that these factors influence the formation of social networks [ 28 , 29 , 69 ]. By controlling for these socio-demographic variables, all forms of bias resulting from the different characteristics of the recruited displaced persons are controlled.…”

“…IDPs may need to establish a sense of community to integrate socially and encourage solidarity. As a means of adaptation, solidarity promotes group effort to support and collaborate within a community to harness social capital (i.e., people resources) [ 28 , 56 ]. Consequently, it is possible that the community experience of displaced persons may improve as they are socially integrated and develop a sense of oneness [ 57 ].…”

“…Integration and developing social networks among people of similar attributes is vital for harnessing socioeconomic opportunities and reducing resentments of IDPs [ 26 , 27 ]. The ability to socially integrate and form solidarity is critical to developing social networks that can also promote psychological health [ 28 , 29 ]. Social integration aims to promote values, relationships, and connections that encourage the equality of rights and dignity of everyone in any social setting [ 30 ].…”

“…Groups living in the same community provide mutual reliance, reciprocal relationships, and support to each other, which is considered to be an element of solidarity [ 38 ]. Solidarity is portrayed as oneness and collaboration within a community as a means of adaptation and thriving [ 28 ]. NGOs often support displaced persons by providing assistance and aid, educating them, and encouraging them to support one another in their new communities [ 39 ].…”